I have an old Speedlite 200E flash (new 1991) that I would like to find out if it is possible to make it work on my Canon XSi camera. I wish I could get the 580EX II, but with the economy in the pits it is not going to happen right now.

When I take some shots with the 200E flash sometimes the exposure looks OK but most of the time the photos are washed out.

Is it possible to make the 200E and XSi work together, or is it a lost cause since the technology is so old on the 200E?

Thank you

__________________Members don't see ads in threads. Register for your free account today and become a member of PhotoCamel to open up the site's many benefits and features.

I have an old Speedlite 200E flash (new 1991) that I would like to find out if it is possible to make it work on my Canon XSi camera. I wish I could get the 580EX II, but with the economy in the pits it is not going to happen right now.

When I take some shots with the 200E flash sometimes the exposure looks OK but most of the time the photos are washed out.

Is it possible to make the 200E and XSi work together, or is it a lost cause since the technology is so old on the 200E?

Canon sell and have sold a number of different standard hotshoe flash units, which can be divided into three basic categories. Have a look here for a brief comparison of E and EZ (ie: non-EX) flash units.Basic flash units - 160E*, 200E, 220EX.
These small devices have very limited power output - you could think of them as little flash units for those cameras which lack built-in flash. The 160E and 200E support TTL only, but the 220EX supports both TTL and E-TTL. They do not zoom, swivel or tilt, but are extremely compact and lightweight.

...€0.02...

Kindest regards!

Max@Home

__________________...so far, so good...

Canon PowerShot G1X MkII, Canon PowerShot G3X, some accessories (hoods, flashes, filters, tripod) and some knowledge to use them

I have an old flash unit. Will it work on my new Canon digital EOS camera?

Maybe. That depends on what type of flash unit you have.Canon digital cameras can only communicate with Canon Speedlite flash models with names ending in EX. If your Canon flash unit has a model name which ends with E or EZ or anything else then its automated features will not work with a Canon digital EOS camera. As for flash units manufactured by other makers, check its specifications to see if it supports “E-TTL flash metering.” If it does not, or only lists “Canon TTL flash metering” then it most likely will not work. For details see the section on flash metering with digital cameras.

It is saying (if I understand it correctly) that my 200E will not work. I will have to wait for the economy to improve so I can get the 580EX II flash. Sigh...

I just checked the price of the 580 and 430 on Amazon. The 580 is creeping back up in $$ so I may need to get the 430 instead but it will still be some time away before I have the $$$ to get one. My hours were cut this week in what I am allowed to work. I am very thankful I still have a job in this lousy economy.

That's good to hear, so many people take their jobs for granted and aren't thankful. I don't blame you for putting off purchases that aren't necessary. I sometimes wish I'd put off getting the 50D for the same reason because I got laid off between buying it and paying the credit card bill. Then again, sometimes I'm glad I did get it or who knows when I'd be able to get it and be enjoying it as I am now.

Max,
It is saying (if I understand it correctly) that my 200E will not work. I will have to wait for the economy to improve so I can get the 580EX II flash. Sigh... [/LEFT]
But that is really what I thought I would find out.

The 200E will not work in auto-mode, but it will work in manual mode. I have a 199A that I used on my AE-1 that I still use on my 20D. None of its automatic features will work, but with a little Flash Exposure Compensation and a diffuser (aka note card rubber banded to the flash and bounced off the ceiling) it'll produce great results until you get the cash for a 580EXII... I even just ordered some cables (as per the recommendation of Max) to do some Off Camera flash-work... As long I have checked my histogram after the first couple pictures so I can set my FEC, then my 199A has worked great, its just not nearly as sophisticated as all of the new flashes!

I just noticed that you said you have an XSi... I actually don't know if it will work on the XSi as mine has worked on my 20D, I've never tried to use my flash on an XSi... so know that I'm using a 20D, and my earlier post was based upon my experience with the 20D!!